Growing Information

Pumpkins

CULTURE: Refer to "Winter Squash".PLANT SPACING: Medium- and large-fruited pumpkin varieties need plenty of growing room for sufficient sunlight penetration for successful fruiting, and to grow to their fruit size potential. 6' row spacing is recommended. See tables for individual plant spacing per variety.TIMING: Sow pumpkins to mature in Sept. for the fall decorating market. Too many days of sun on fruits in the field after maturity will bleach handles and sunscald the fruits.HARVEST: Before frost or after 1 or 2 light frosts. Clip stems close to the vine. Use care to avoid gouging or bruising. Avoid lifting fruits by handles. Store under cover with plenty of air. White pumpkins should be harvested once foliage starts to die back and placed under cover. Direct sunlight will cause white skin to turn yellow.AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE: 250 seeds/125', 500 seeds/250', 1,000 seeds/500', 15M/acre @ 2 seeds/ft rows 6' apart. TRANSPLANTING: Sow 2 seeds in 1 1/2-2" cell-type containers or pots. Thin to 1-2 plants/pot with scissors. Harden plants 4-7 days by reducing fertilizer, water, and temperature, and moving flats outside if there is no frost danger. Transplant out after frost danger; earlier only if plants are to be covered with floating row covers. . Place about 18" apart for bush and small-fruited varieties and 24-36" for vining and large-fruited types. Take care not to disturb roots! SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: 2,300-4,000 (avg. 2,800).PACKET: 30 seeds sows 15'.